Airlie Beach and Whitsundays

From Townsville to Airlie beach was over four hours on the coach. I was lucky to be upgraded at the Airlie beach Waterfront Backpackers. The young woman took pity on me, as I was booked into a room on the second floor and there was no lift.
So I ended up in a lovely double room with ensuite and balcony on the first floor. It is all very modern and right next door to the flash Airlie Beach Hotel. So I was not complaining.





The town is very touristy much flasher and bigger than Paihia but similar.
The beach is pretty and the lagoon beside the sea in the town centre looked very inviting. Plenty of cafes and bars for the young people who flock here.



I was booked to go out to Reef World with Fantasea, for another big day out adventure. This was expensive but so well worth it. This trip goes to a closer point on the reef than the other company. More time for snorkelling on the reef.

We travelled out to Hardy Reef on a huge catamaran, calling at Hamilton and Daydream Islands on the way. This was the day that the young Englishman, who won the “Best job in the world” competition, arrived on the island. What a gorgeous collection of islands.





The boat links up with a huge pontoon out on the reef and there is a choice of diving, snorkelling, underwater semi submersible viewing or just relaxing in the sun. The sea was like glass, the air was still and there was no current, a perfect day. The tide going out left the reef exposed, so we snorkelled alongside the reef which was like a huge cliff.

The staff was young and enthusiastic and very well trained. With so many of them it is easy to see while the whole thing is so expensive. It was still school holidays so the boat was full but everyone had a lot of fun and we were so well looked after. And so much beautiful food kept appearing.



I chose to go with the snorkelling guide first. This was an extra expense but again so worthwhile. She took just two of us adults and three children holding onto a life raft as we explored the reef. It is such an amazing experience and I felt very privileged to be there. Picture this; (no camera for logisitical reasons) a top-to-toe pink lycra stinger suit, which covered even my fingers, and with just a gap for the mask and snorkel, a wetsuit that came to my knees, a bulky flotation vest and flippers. What a sight, but everyone else was dressed the same!



After lunch I went in on my own for another try and was so proud of myself. Not that I was in any danger, as the life guard kept watch from above. I had a pink ribbon on my snorkel to alert them to my medical risks!
On the way home the sea was glassy, the mood very relaxed and keeping my eyes peeled paid off, as I did spot whales in the distance.
Sailing back through the Whitsunday’s, with the sun was setting, was unforgettable.